COSATU joins the international trade union movement in condemning the consistent harassment and persecution of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero.

This Monday, 8 September, Ajaero was on his way to attend the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) Conference in London, when state security operatives arrested him at the International Airport in Abuja.

This followed months of harassment on the back of highly successful mobilisation by the NLC and progressive civil society organisations, of various protests against the high costs of living as well as the implementation of the National Minimum Wage to protect workers and the poor.

COSATU notes that Ajaero was detained at such time he was boarding his flight and only released before the midnight ultimatum issued by the trade union movement, before a national shutdown could be organised.

The Federation continues to work with the NLC and the international trade union movement to raise issues affecting workers and the conditions of the people of Africa in these dire conditions of heightened neoliberal austerity, which is negatively impacting the working class, and points to the urgency of state intervention to protect workers and communities from grinding hunger, poverty and the unemployment crisis.

COSATU also calls on African Union member states to reject draconian measures as a response to the deepening crises facing the working class and the poor, in the context of growing calls to build inclusive, democratic and equitable models of development on the continent, the important role of the trade union movement is even more critical.

The Federation remains in touch with our comrades from the NLC to ensure that the rights and safety of President Ajaero are fully protected and so too the concerns of workers for a just and inclusive society based on the ideals of decent work, human rights and social justice.

Issued by COSATU

For more information contact:

Noxolo Bhengu(COSATU Deputy International Secretary) on 072 866 7046

Or Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson) on 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639